Scott Dixon Leads Day One of Indianapolis 500 Testing, Honda Dominates
Scott Dixon, a six-time champion in the IndyCar Series, is on a mission to change his Indy 500 record. The New Zealander hasn’t tasted victory at the Indianapolis 500 since his win in 2008, but on the first day of testing for the 109th edition of this legendary race, he made a strong statement. Driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, Dixon clocked an impressive speed of 225.182 mph, placing him at the top of the leaderboard.
“It’s just testing—we’re going through a list of adjustments and making a lot of changes,” Dixon said after his strong performance. “We didn’t test here back in October, so this is our first time with the hybrid. It definitely changes things and may even affect the outcome of the race.”
Josef Newgarden Follows Close Behind
Right on Dixon’s heels was Josef Newgarden, the reigning two-time champion of the Indy 500, who secured the second-fastest speed of the day at 225.125 mph. Newgarden is aiming to make history as the first driver to win three consecutive Indianapolis 500 races. “When the car is fast, we’ll sort out the rest later,” the Penske driver remarked, indicating his confidence in the vehicle’s performance.
Takuma Sato Returns
Another noteworthy performance came from Takuma Sato, who is making his traditional one-off appearance in May, this time racing for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Sato finished the day in third place, showcasing his skill and experience on the track. He was followed by Marcus Armstrong from Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) and Colton Herta from Andretti Autosport, who completed the top five.
Honda’s Dominance in Testing
The standout feature of the day was the performance of Honda engines. Out of the top ten drivers, nine were powered by Honda, with Newgarden being the sole representative for Chevrolet in that group. In no-tow laps, which are runs without the benefit of drafting, Honda’s dominance became even clearer. Felix Rosenqvist clocked a leading speed of 220.835 mph, followed closely by Alex Palou and, of course, Dixon.
Hélio Castroneves and Kyle Larson
Hélio Castroneves, a fan favorite and four-time Indy 500 winner, is now racing for Meyer Shank Racing, and he finished the day in seventh place, also utilizing a Honda engine. Meanwhile, NASCAR star Kyle Larson, who is making his Indy 500 debut and attempting to achieve the “Double” on the same day by racing in the Coca-Cola 600, ended the day in 11th place while driving for McLaren.
Day One Highlights
The first day of testing featured a total of 34 drivers on the track, who collectively completed over 2,800 laps. The only notable incident was a minor brush with the wall by Graham Rahal in turn 3, which fortunately did not result in any serious consequences.
Looking Ahead to Continued Testing
The testing sessions continue on Thursday, where teams will have the opportunity to unlock additional boost in the morning session, simulating the power levels expected during “Fast Friday” and qualifying. In the afternoon, engines will revert to race mode, allowing teams to fine-tune their setups for optimal performance.
Official practice for the Indianapolis 500 kicks off on May 13, with coverage available on INDYCARLIVE and Disney+. As teams prepare for the race, all eyes will be on the ongoing developments and performances leading up to the iconic event.
Analyzing the Competitive Landscape
The initial day of testing gives fans and teams alike a glimpse into the competitive landscape as we approach the Indy 500. With Dixon, Newgarden, and Sato all showing strong form, it promises to be an exciting lead-up to one of the most prestigious races in motorsport. The performance of Honda engines raises questions about the competitiveness of Chevrolet, setting the stage for potential strategies as teams prepare for the upcoming races.
Conclusion
As testing continues, the excitement surrounding the 109th Indianapolis 500 builds. Teams are looking to refine their cars, and each lap clocked serves as a crucial data point in the quest for the famed Borg-Warner Trophy. With the blend of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, this year’s race is shaping up to be one for the history books. As we move forward, the testing sessions will play a pivotal role in determining who will ultimately emerge victorious on race day.
